Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Budapest the Paris of the East

by Mike Prior Director at Scott’s TravelSo just what it is about Budapest that makes it my favourite city without a second thought? It’s known as the Paris of the East, with the Danube splitting Buda from Pest. It has incredibly elegant architecture, and a sophisticated scene. Budapest is far less expensive than Paris and my family enjoy the variety of activities on offer. Having recently purchased a home in Budapest I have complied a ‘Must See’ check list for those thinking about visiting this truly beautiful city.

Soak in the thermal BathsOne of the last remnants of the Turkish influence in Hungary, a visit to the thermal baths is a quintessential Budapest experience. Budapest holds the title "City of Spas" as it has more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world.Take a Danube River CruiseBudapest is beautiful by day, but absolutely stunning by night as the buildings lining the banks of the Danube twinkle and reflect on the dark waters.Walk Across the Chain BridgeBuilt from a design by British engineer William Tierney Clark in the 1840s, it’s one of the world’s earliest suspension bridges and it was the first bridge to permanently connect the medieval hills of Buda with Pest. Its smaller sister bridge can be found crossing the Thames in Marlow.Fisherman’s BastionThe neo-Gothic terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion is located in Buda on Castle Hill and provides unrivalled panoramic views of the city of Pest.Shop at the Central Market HallBuilt in the 19th century, the Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest and the focus is on typical Hungarian products.Try a Traditional Hungarian DishTake the time to sample some local dishes such as meat-heavy goulash and fresh-water fish such as carp and perch. I recommend a visit to Cafe Pierrot located in the medieval Castle District of Buda for an exceptional dining experience.Tick off these tourist attractions when planning your city break itinerary✔ St Stephen’s BasilicaSituated in Pest, with every internal square inch embellished in gold leaf or marble it’s an imposing domed building packed with religious artefacts and art.✔ Hungarian Parliament BuildingThe enormous Hungarian Parliament Building sits on the bank of the River Danube. Modelled on our own Parliament but larger, you can take a tour around the impressive rooms and halls✔ Dohány Street SynagogueBudapest's ornate Great Synagogue is the largest Jewish house of worship in the world outside New York City.✔ Margaret IslandLocated on a 2.5 km-long central Island on the Danube, the historical Margaret Island is a leafy, shady relief from the city of Budapest. Easy to access on foot and complete with an outdoor summer thermal spa, and swimming pools.For the most up to date offers and exclusive deals please contact Mike on 020 8882 0141